A violent hijacking in Avoca, Durban, on Friday night led to a neighbour’s visitor being shot when he attempted to intervene. The incident unfolded when a motorist and his wife, parked outside their home waiting for their electric gate to open, were accosted by three armed men. The suspects threatened the couple with firearms, assaulting the man with a pistol before fleeing the scene with their vehicle and the wife’s handbag, which contained personal items. The police were alerted, and cases of carjacking and attempted murder were opened by Greenwood Park police following the attack on January 10.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the situation escalated when a neighbour, witnessing the crime, decided to pursue the suspects in an attempt to help the victims. However, the hijackers responded by opening fire on the neighbour’s visitor, injuring him in the arm. Despite the gunshot wound, the visitor managed to drive himself to a hospital for treatment, highlighting both the severity of the situation and his determination to get help. Police and private security services have launched a manhunt for the suspects and the stolen vehicle.
Swift Private Security responded quickly after receiving multiple reports of gunshots near Gokal Road around 7pm on Friday. The company dispatched several vehicles to the area, where they discovered that the suspects had violently assaulted the elderly man, striking him with a firearm and causing head injuries. The hijackers shoved his wife aside before stealing the family’s silver Mercedes-Benz GLC. Swift Private Security confirmed that the injured man was treated by KZN VIP Medical Services, who transported him to a medical facility for further care.
The swift response from security teams, however, was not enough to prevent the escalation of violence. The neighbour’s visitor, who had tried to intervene, was shot in the arm but still managed to drive himself to a nearby hospital. The incident underscores the increasing risk faced by members of the community when confronting violent criminals. As security personnel continue to search for the stolen Mercedes-Benz, they have urged the public to report any sightings of the vehicle to authorities or their security service providers.
Marshall Security, another private security company involved in the response, confirmed that despite his injuries, the visitor’s resilience allowed him to reach medical attention independently. Managing Director Tyron Powell emphasized the importance of vigilance in these types of situations, reminding the public to report any suspicious activity as quickly as possible. Powell also noted the injuries sustained by the hijacking victim, who suffered lacerations to the head from the assault. These details illustrate the brutality of the crime and the growing dangers of such violent acts in the region.
Police continue to investigate the incident, and despite the swift response of private security and medical teams, the community is left shaken by the violent escalation of what should have been a routine evening. Local residents have been urged to remain aware of their surroundings, as the situation highlights the pressing need for heightened security awareness in the face of rising violent crime. As investigations proceed, authorities are appealing for any additional information that could lead to the capture of the hijackers and the recovery of the stolen vehicle.
